# Genetic Dissection of Cells and Organisms Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 2024 · $763,983

## Abstract

Project Summary
 The Genetic Dissection of Cells and Organisms Training Program (GDTP) provides predoctoral
trainees from diverse backgrounds with advanced training in classical genetics, quantitative analysis, precision
genome engineering, and broader societal challenges that will be ameliorated through genetics. GDTP is the
only program at UC Berkeley that provides integrated training across the full range of genetics, from phage to
human. GDTP’s 51 training faculty are recognized leaders in basic and biomedical spheres, drawn from the
departments of Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB), Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB), and Integrative Biology (IB),
and from the interdisciplinary Graduate Group in Microbiology (GGM). This renewal proposal requests support
for 16 trainees in their second and third years of PhD training after they commit to genetics as the focus of their
graduate research.
 The GDTP provides long-standing, student-centered training within a flexible but data-driven
pedagogical structure that requires a two-year training program to fulfill its goals. All trainees are required to
take graduate-level courses in empirical genetics; data analysis and statistics; responsible conduct and
reproducibility in research, and laboratory/field safety. The GDTP’s Weekly Genetics Immersion is also
required across both years. It includes direct interaction with leading geneticists from both the UC Berkeley
campus, our collaborative initiatives with other Bay Area institutes, and outside institutions from around the
world; critical evaluation of peer-reviewed papers in genetics; and interweaving of salient topics in ethics and
responsible conduct in research. Annual events include a trainee orientation and an Annual Retreat to prepare
students for presenting their research results at scientific meetings. The GDTP provides career counseling and
a suite of professional development programs in science communication, teaching, grant-writing, and
publishing, teamwork, management, and leadership.
 All trainees will receive extensive individual advising and mentoring tailored to their career objectives
using best practices in the context of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. Close tracking of
student progress ensures that trainees who are struggling receive appropriate and timely support. GDTP’s
evaluation process solicits internal and external input throughout the year, ensuring continuous program
improvement. An ambitious recruitment and retention plan—involving the active participation of all training
faculty—is employed to ensure full participation and inclusion of trainees from underrepresented minority,
disabled, and disadvantaged backgrounds.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10848890
- **Project number:** 2T32GM132022-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **Principal Investigator:** Nicole King
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $763,983
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10848890

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10848890, Genetic Dissection of Cells and Organisms Training Program (2T32GM132022-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10848890. Licensed CC0.

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